Interpreting the Bible can sometimes be challenging, but Scripture itself offers guidance on how to understand and apply its teachings. Let’s explore what the Bible says about interpreting Scripture and how we can approach it with wisdom and discernment.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Seasons In The Last Days
What Does The Bible Say About Interpreting Scripture
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting Scripture. As believers, we are called to diligently study God’s Word and handle it accurately. Doing so allows us to present ourselves as approved workers in God’s kingdom.
Interpreting Scripture requires a commitment to sound hermeneutics, applying principles such as studying the historical and cultural context, seeking clarity from other passages, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 119:130
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
This verse reminds us that God’s Word is a source of enlightenment and wisdom. As we delve into the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit helps us understand its teachings even if we may feel inexperienced or lacking in knowledge.
The unfolding of God’s words brings light into our lives, illuminating the truths we need to navigate this world. It is through Scripture that God imparts understanding, guiding us on the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, we must approach it with humility and a dependence on God. This verse urges us to trust in the Lord completely, acknowledging that our own understanding is limited and imperfect.
By submitting our ways to God, we invite Him to guide and direct us. He promises to make our paths straight, leading us in the right direction as we seek His wisdom in interpreting His Word.
2 Peter 1:20-21
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
This passage highlights that Scripture is not a product of human interpretation but rather a divine revelation. It reminds us that the prophetic words written in the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit, not by human will or understanding.
Interpreting Scripture, therefore, requires us to approach it with reverence, recognizing its divine origin. We should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who authored the Word, rather than relying solely on our own understanding.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, sincere and wholehearted seeking of God is essential. This verse promises that as we genuinely pursue a deeper understanding of God’s Word, we will find Him.
Interpretation is not a mere intellectual exercise but a spiritual endeavor. It requires a genuine desire to know and encounter God, allowing Him to reveal Himself through the Scriptures.
Psalm 19:7-8
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
This beautiful psalm extols the virtues of God’s Word. It declares that the Scriptures are perfect, trustworthy, and right. They refresh the soul, impart wisdom to the simple, bring joy to the heart, and illuminate our understanding.
When interpreting Scripture, we can rest assured that we are engaging with a divine and reliable source of truth. The Word of God has the power to transform our lives and illuminate our understanding.
John 16:13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
This verse assures us that the Holy Spirit is our guide in understanding the truth contained within Scripture. As believers, we have the privilege of the Spirit’s indwelling, granting us access to divine revelation and interpretation.
When interpreting Scripture, we should rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, listening attentively to His prompting and revelation. He will lead us into the depths of truth and illuminate our understanding of God’s Word.
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Scripture is likened to a lamp that illuminates our path, guiding us through life. This verse recognizes that God’s Word not only provides spiritual insight but also practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of our daily lives.
When interpreting Scripture, we can trust that it will shed light on the decisions we need to make, the challenges we face, and the paths we should tread. God’s Word serves as an invaluable source of guidance and direction.
Psalms 119:18
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges our need for God’s illumination in order to grasp the wonders contained within His law. Understanding and interpreting Scripture requires a humble plea for God to open our eyes and reveal His truth.
May we approach the study of Scripture with a teachable spirit, seeking God’s enlightenment and expecting to encounter the awe-inspiring wonders concealed within His Word.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
In the context of interpreting Scripture, this verse encourages us to approach God with a heart of seeking. We are invited to engage in active pursuit, asking, seeking, and knocking, knowing that God is faithful to respond.
When we encounter challenges in understanding the meaning of a passage or discerning its message, we can bring our questions to God in prayer. He promises to provide the answers and insights we need.
Acts 17:11
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
The Berean Jews exemplify a commendable approach to interpreting Scripture. They eagerly received the message preached by Paul but did not accept it blindly. Instead, they examined the Scriptures daily to validate the teachings they heard.
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, we should adopt a similar attitude of eagerness, continuously studying God’s Word and cross-referencing it to ensure the teachings align with scriptural truth.
1 Corinthians 2:14
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
This verse highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit’s involvement in interpreting Scripture. Without the Holy Spirit, one may struggle to comprehend the spiritual truths contained within God’s Word, dismissing them as foolishness.
As believers, we are blessed with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through His guidance, we can discern and understand the deep truths revealed in Scripture, allowing us to interpret and apply it in our lives.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, wisdom is indispensable. This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a generous giver of wisdom.
If we find ourselves lacking understanding or clarity while studying God’s Word, we can turn to Him in prayer, seeking His wisdom and insight. He promises to provide the wisdom we need as we diligently seek Him.
Isaiah 55:11
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
In this verse, God assures us that His Word has a divine purpose and meaning. When we engage in interpreting Scripture, we can be confident that it will not return void but will fulfill God’s intended purposes.
While our understanding of Scripture may be limited or imperfect, we can trust that God’s Word is powerful, transformative, and always effective in achieving His will.
Psalm 119:97
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s deep affection for God’s law, indicating a continual meditation and reflection on its teachings. To accurately interpret Scripture, we must approach it with love and a desire for intimate familiarity.
Meditating on God’s Word allows us to internalize its truths, grasp its nuances, and apply it to our lives effectively. It is through such devotion and ongoing reflection that we grow in our understanding of Scripture.
Proverbs 2:1-5
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
This passage paints a vivid picture of diligent pursuit and heartfelt seeking of wisdom and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of treasuring God’s Word, actively listening to His wisdom, and applying our hearts to grasp its meaning.
When it comes to interpreting Scripture, a wholehearted pursuit of understanding is required. We are to approach God’s Word with fervent prayer, eagerly searching for its priceless treasures, and desiring to deepen our knowledge of God.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
This verse highlights the dynamic and transformative nature of Scripture. It portrays God’s Word as living and powerful, capable of penetrating deep into our being, discerning our thoughts, attitudes, and motivations.
Interpreting Scripture requires us to approach it with reverence and an awareness of its transformative power. God’s Word has the ability to convict, change, and shape us, illuminating our understanding and guiding our actions.
1 Timothy 4:13
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
In this verse, Paul encourages Timothy to prioritize the public reading, preaching, and teaching of Scripture. It highlights the significance of communal engagement with God’s Word, as it contributes to a deeper understanding and interpretation.
When interpreting Scripture, we can benefit from engaging in discussions with fellow believers, receiving insights, and learning from those who have studied the Word. We are called to be active participants in the body of Christ, collectively growing in our understanding of God’s Word.
Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Scripture serves as a valuable source of instruction, teaching, endurance, and encouragement. It was written to equip believers throughout history, offering enduring lessons and inspiring hope.
When approaching the interpretation of Scripture, we should consider the broader context of the biblical narrative and the timeless truths it conveys. God’s Word has the power to bring hope, endurance, and encouragement to our lives today.
Luke 24:27
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
In this verse, Jesus reveals the significance of understanding how the entire Scripture points to Him. He Himself interpreted the Scriptures to demonstrate how they allude to His person, work, and redemptive plan.
When interpreting Scripture, we should strive to uncover the ways in which it points to Christ. The Old Testament foreshadows His coming, and the New Testament reveals His fulfillment. Christ is the central focus and the key to understanding the fullness of God’s Word.